‘And Just Like That’ Tests Two Couples With Cancer, Sex-With-an-Ex Confessions

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[The following narrative reveals plot twists from the fifth and sixth episodes of And Just Like That, its third season.]

In the latest episode of “And Just Like That” on June 26, I found myself in a surprising situation as my character’s husband, Harry, revealed his diagnosis of prostate cancer to me, Charlotte. It’s a challenging turn of events, but we’re facing it together.

Despite Harry’s assurance that everything will turn out fine, Charlotte finds it hard not to fret. Almost instinctively, she switches into high gear, channeling all her energy towards helping her partner in every way possible, while keeping the situation under wraps from their kids and friends.

Though Harry tried to reassure Charlotte that everything would be alright, she couldn’t help but feel anxious. Without even realizing it, she went into overdrive, focusing all her energy on supporting her significant other, while keeping the details a secret from their children and friends.

In the new series “And Just Like That,” the storyline feels eerily reminiscent for viewers, as it mirrors the shocking turn of events from the original “Sex and the City” where the main character Carrie Bradshaw’s husband, Big (played by Chris Noth), tragically died of a heart attack. This unexpected demise marked the start of a sorrowful first season on HBO Max. Notably, plans for Noth to make a cameo in the final episode were cancelled following allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

In the current season three of the series, the actor portraying Harry reassured fans that the character from the initial series who is his spouse is unlikely to meet an untimely demise. As Handler explained in a recent CNN interview, the show isn’t expected to explore Harry’s health struggles extensively. Instead, it will delve into the impact of such circumstances on their relationship: how it affects a couple, what challenges arise when one partner asks for secrecy, and the complexities that surface when a request like that could be justified by the partner but may strain the relationship.

The individual, having been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the age of 24 himself, commented, “Life throws challenges at us just as it does in any prolonged relationship. And I believe that’s what our show aims to delve into – those very challenges faced by characters who have been part of our viewers’ lives for so long.

Davis discussed Harry’s health disclosure for a short while with The Hollywood Reporter, and she shares Handler’s sentiments regarding its potential effect on the most stable pair within the Michael Patrick King-led series, Sex and the City. Fans of this popular show will remember Charlotte’s response from the first film, where, after Big left Carrie at their wedding, Charlotte confided in Carrie about her fear that her seemingly perfect life could eventually fall apart. In the latest sixth episode, we see Charlotte breaking down to Carrie in a drugstore aisle, revealing to her friend, “I can’t help but think he’s going to pass away.

Davis agreed with THR when reminded about the 2008 Sex and the City movie scene. ‘I always feel a touch of apprehension whenever we begin a new season,’ he said, ‘wondering if Charlotte’s idyllic life might crumble.’ He believes that’s how Charlotte reacts to such news. What I adore about Charlotte is her unwavering optimism and her constant effort to maintain harmony for the people she cherishes. And indeed, she manages to do so, but this episode starts to reveal some fissures in her otherwise solid facade.’

She goes on to say, “I truly believe it’s crucial to emphasize that taking care of oneself is just as important as caring for others. This point is worth remembering, and Charlotte receives a timely — yet humorous — reminder about self-care. I strive for Charlotte’s life to always be thriving. As a character, she may face challenges, but I don’t want her to lose anything, not even the smallest things. I feel deeply connected to Charlotte’s desires. I believe you’ll find satisfaction with how things unfold. I hope you will.

In the July 3rd episode, the bond between Aidan (John Corbett) and Carrie was put to a new test when he revealed that he had slept with his ex-wife, Kathy (Rosemarie DeWitt). This startling admission ignited discussions and social media debates about the central couple in the series. They’ve been navigating a long-distance relationship since Aidan decided to prioritize fatherhood and supporting his son Wyatt (Logan Souza), over his relationship with Carrie, as seen in the season two finale.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the insights shared by mastermind author Stephen King and executive producer Darren Star in their conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. They discussed the intricate balancing act of maintaining Carrie and Aidan as the focal points of the show, despite their long distance relationship between Virginia and New York. King beautifully encapsulated this third season as a harmonious blend of light-heartedness and vulnerability.

King expressed that both situations and emotions can be delicate, and life itself is no exception. In an instant, unforeseen events can occur. This is a part of life’s complexities, but what makes Carrie and Aiden’s situation particularly intricate is the labyrinthine nature of their predicament. The joy of crafting this story was navigating through that labyrinth and attempting to discern which perspective the audience would identify with at any given moment. Are they starting to empathize with his viewpoint? Or are they beginning to understand hers?

Following Aidan’s admission about sleeping with his ex, public opinion seems clear. However, fans might be hasty in overlooking the fact that when Carrie admitted her affair with Big to Aidan in the original series, she yearned for his forgiveness, not anger (which she received: “You broke my heart” instead). This time around, Carrie doesn’t view her actions as infidelity because she didn’t consider their current relationship as exclusive – even though Aidan apparently did.

Julie Rottenberg, the executive producer and writer who directed the episode, recognized the growing rift among fans regarding Aidan’s decisions in season three. She expressed this during an interview with Glamour, stating, “I’ve encountered many fans who were deeply enamored with Aidan and viewed him as infallible.” She added, “There remains a significant split, but I find it hard to believe that so many people have become so critical of him, going as far as accusing him of making excuses for his child and being excessively protective.

In their 50s, Parker found herself understanding more deeply and Carrie learned to forgive Aidan. She explained to the media, “At this age, you listen with a different ear and let people fall short, let them fail you, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final chapter. This is how we might reach out to each other when things are complicated, when it feels risky, when there are worries about our children. It could be that this is how we console one another.”

As they grew older, Parker started to understand things differently and Carrie forgave Aidan. She told reporters, “When you’re in your 50s, you listen more carefully and let people make mistakes, hurt you, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story. This is how people might support each other when things are tough, when it feels scary, when there are concerns about our children. It could be that this is how we comfort one another.

The response she gave seems reminiscent of what King mentioned when hinting at the 12-episode third season. He told THR, “We’re now 27 years into Carrie Bradshaw’s development. Watching her continue to evolve, grow, change, and take risks is exhilarating.” He added, “It’s a rarity to see an actor portray characters for such a lengthy period. As long as there’s a story to tell, since life is unpredictable, complex, and challenging, it’s enjoyable to depict these aspects in a fictional setting. There’s something intriguing about the intersection of vulnerability and fiction.

And Just Like That releases new season three episodes on Thursdays.

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2025-07-07 17:55